Dates changed for 2004 MAATS
CHICAGO, Ill. — The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today reported that the dates for its 2004 Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) have been changed. The event will now be held July 8-11 at the Las Vegas (Nevada) Hilton, according to the association.
The National Marine Distributors Association’s S.T.E.P. Conference, which is held in conjunction with MAATS, will run July 7-8. Buyer-supplier meetings for MAATS begin on the afternoon of July 8, and the exhibit floor opens July 9, according to the association.
The decision to shift the 2004 dates by one day was made by the MAATS planning committee, which is comprised of manufacturers, distributors and retailers, at a recent meeting in Chicago.
“With Monday, July 5, being a national holiday [for Independence Day observance], the committee didn’t want to turn the holiday into a travel day for S.T.E.P. and MAATS participants,” says MAATS project manager Kathleen Clickett. “The committee realizes the 2004 dates are not ideal but has made a commitment going forward to hold the event during the third week of July.”
NMMA hopes to build on the success of MAATS, which experienced a 32-percent jump in attendance in 2003, compared to the previous year. The event brings together trade show exhibits, pre-scheduled, private buyer/supplier meetings, new product introductions, educational and networking opportunities.
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